Master鈥檚 Degree Programs
鈥淢y interest in the law is second only to my interest in education. To be able to enroll in a program that combines the two was perfect for me.鈥�
鈥� Amy Ross Bradl
Master鈥檚 Degrees: Advancing Your Legal Expertise
If you鈥檙e interested in how the legal system works, but you aren鈥檛 looking to become a lawyer, a master鈥檚 degree in law could be for you. This interdisciplinary approach to the law is for people who don鈥檛 want to practice law but need legal knowledge to get ahead in their chosen profession. A master鈥檚 program in law can help you learn the intricacies of negotiations and contracts; understand the social, political, and economic impacts of the law; and better navigate legal procedures in certain fields. Some of these programs may complement the legal training students receive with courses from another school or division within the university.
What You Should Know
- Some schools offer a Master of Science in Laws (MSL) degree, while others offer a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree, a Juris Master (JM), or some other variation. While there are different names for master鈥檚 degrees in law, the purpose and curriculum among them are similar. Search for schools that offer master鈥檚 degrees in law in your .
- For individuals who are already established in a profession or are considering a career change, earning a master鈥檚 degree in law could help them excel at work or earn a promotion.
- Rather than requiring three years of study, as a JD does, a master鈥檚 degree can typically be earned in one year. However, earning a master鈥檚 degree alone will not allow you to sit for the bar or become an attorney. If these are your goals, you鈥檒l need a JD degree 鈥� or, in some cases, an LLM degree.
- Requirements for admission vary by school, but generally, an undergraduate degree is the main requirement.
- Master鈥檚 degrees in law are increasingly being offered online or on a part-time basis to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
Planning Your Next Steps
Since master鈥檚 programs require less time and study than a traditional law degree, they hold tremendous value for professionals seeking an edge 鈥� particularly if they have no desire to practice law but want to master legal principles and navigate the legal landscape. Consider how a master鈥檚 degree in law could help your career and give you a new understanding of how the law impacts your profession.
